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TALISAY CITY, Philippines - Talisay City?s 8th Charter Day celebration on Monday turned into an impromptu political rally as Representative Eduardo Gullas of Cebu?s 1st district endorsed Senator Francisco ?Chiz? Escudero for president in the 2010 elections.
But the senator, who was in the city on Monday, urged that talks about the 2010 elections be reserved next year. In the meantime, he said government should concentrate on public service.
?Let us not practice politics, before or after the elections. Let us (first) give our talents to the people,? Escudero said.
He later said in a press conference that he was not qualified to be president since he is still 39 and would turn 40 on October 10. A candidate for president should be at least 40 years old.
But Gullas showed his support to the opposition senator during his speech at the Talisay City Sports Complex attended by about 3,000 Talisaynons.
But Escudero, in reply, instead spoke of unity among Filipinos. He urged Talisaynons to be one with other Filipinos in a common goal, and be united as though watching one of the fights of boxing champion Manny Pacquiao.
Escudero and Gullas were joined by Mayor Socrates Fernandez, acting Vice Mayor Alan Bucao, other officials in celebrating the city?s Charter Day celebration.
Escudero told a news conference at the office of Gullas in the University of the Visayas (UV) that his party, the National People?s Coalition (NPC), had yet to decide on a candidate for the presidency.
Gullas said he purposely brought Escudero to the school to expose students to political personalities.
The congressman said he had already invited Senator Manny Villar to visit the school as well.
Gullas, a former NPC member, said the party would decide between Escudero and Senator Loren Legarda.
Escudero criticized President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo for attempting to change the constitution ?at the tail end? of her administration.
?(President Arroyo) has been there for nine years. Why all of a sudden her administration is pushing to change the constitution?? he asked.
But Escudero was not completely dismissive of the possibility of changing the constitution.
?It depends if it will be in the interest of the country,? he said. ?Let?s not rush it (changing the constitution) so that the outcome will be good.?
Escudero dared the media to emulate the media in the United States and endorse political candidates.
Escudero said the media knows the candidates best since the media keeps track of their exploits.
